Keyboard

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a keyboard (1) to be used, for example, at a computer terminal. The preferred embodiment comprises a keyboard (1) having mounted thereon a number of keys (5), the keyboard being formed in at least two segments (2,3) which are mutually detachable and/or pivotable and wherein each of the segments (2,3) of the keyboard (1) has mounted thereon some of the keys (5). The pivoting/detachable nature of the keyboard aims at reducing stress and discomfort to the user by eliminating contortion to the operators wrists. More particularly, discomfort to the user caused by pronation of the wrists and/or supination of the wrists is reduced.

This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. §120 of International Application Number PCT/AU91/00301 filed Jul. 8, 1991.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The following invention relates to keyboards, and more particularly though not exclusively to a keyboard formed in two or more mutually pivotable segments.

PRIOR ART

Known keyboards of the type used at a computer terminal for example, comprise a unitary board onto which a plurality of alpha numeric keys are attached. It is a disadvantage of such known keyboards that the wrists and/or arms and shoulders of an operator must be contorted into a configuration which is stressful to the user after prolonged use of the keyboard. This problem is brought about by the fact that the hands of the user must be turned outwardly by pivoting of the wrists relative to the forearms.

Discomfort to the user caused by pronation of the wrists is also a problem. It is desirable to reduce pronation and aim for supination of the wrists.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantages.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed herein a keyboard having mounted thereon a plurality of keys, the keyboard comprising at least two segments which are mutually detachable and/or pivotable and wherein each segment of the keyboard has mounted thereon some of said keys.

Typically, the keyboard comprises two mutually pivotable segments which are attached to one another at a top end of the keyboard by way of a hinge means such that a bottom end of the keyboard may spread apart in a substantially horizontal plane.

Advantageously, the hinge means is adapted to allow pivoting in both horizontal and vertical planes such that said two segments of the keyboard may reside in different planes, such that the center of the keyboard is raised so as to reduce pronation and therefore decrease tension in the wrists and forearms of a user.

Generally, said hinge means is a ball and socket joint.

Advantageously, a support means is provided generally below the ball and socket joint so as to maintain the central region of the keyboard at a raised preselected level.

Beneficially, a number pad region of the keyboard is pivotable relative to one of said segments such that the number pad region may reside in a plane other than the plane of said segment to which said number pad is hinged.

Typically, the keyboard is divided into segments which coincide with generally accepted keyboard areas.

The present invention provides means by which wrists of an operator need not be contorted as they would be in use of a conventional keyboard.

In order to electrically connect the keys of one segment of the keyboard to the other, a cable or any suitable contact means may be provided between the two segments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a keyboard, and

FIG. 2 is a schematic elevational view of the keyboard of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to a keyboard 1 to be used, for example, at a computer terminal 12.

In the accompanying drawings there is schematically depicted a keyboard generally indicated by reference numeral 1. Keyboard 1 comprises separate segments 2, 3 and 4, each having mounted thereto a plurality of keys 5.

Segments 2 and 3 of keyboard 1 are mutually attached by means of hinge 6 which may provide one or more degrees of freedom of relative movement between segments 2 and 3. Hinge 6 in the preferred embodiment is of ball and socket type construction.

Segment 4 of keyboard 1 which has mounted thereon numerical keys 5 is attached to segment 3 of hinge 7. Hinge 7 may extend along line 8 illustrated in FIG. 1 so as to provide 1 degree of relative movement between segments 3 and 4. Alternatively, a ball and socket type joint as employed between segments 2 and 3 may be located at either an upper or lower end of line 8 in FIG. 1.

It should be appreciated that segments 2 and 3 of keyboard 1 may pivot with respect to one another while each remaining in a single plane. As depicted in FIG. 2 however a center region of keyboard 1 is raised above the level of a desk 14 on which the keyboard is supported.

Segments 2, 3 and 4 of keyboard 1 may be completely detached from one another of provide an additional degree of freedom of relative positioning therebetween.

Should an operator of the keyboard not be comfortable with a hinged apart of orientation of the keyboard, it may simply be returned to a conventional configuration.

In order to electrically connect the keys of one segment (e.g. segment 2) to the other (e.g. segment 3), a cable 10 or any suitable contact means may be provided between the two segments. 

We claim:
 1. A keyboard for placement on a desk for support for use in conjunction with a computer and having a set of keys, the keyboard comprising first and second segments, each having a sub-set of the set of keys mounted thereon, said segments being coupled one to the other by a joint which permits angular adjustment of one segment with respect to three mutually perpendicular axes associated with the other segment, wherein when the keyboard is adjusted such that a center region of the keyboard is raised to a raised position with respect to said desk, the keyboard is maintained fixed in said raised position with respect to said joint by the desk in cooperation with the joint.
 2. A keyboard according to claim 1 wherein the joint is a ball and socket joint.
 3. A keyboard according to claim 2 wherein the segments are coupled one with the other by means which allow the segments to be uncoupled and separated one from the other.
 4. A keyboard according to claim 3 wherein the keyboard segments have a configuration in which an edge of one is adapted for swing movement with respect to an adjacent edge of the other about an axis through the joint and wherein said adjacent edges are non-linear.
 5. A keyboard according to claim 4 wherein said edge of one comprises formations which are interengagable with corresponding formations of the adjacent edge of said other.
 6. A keyboard according to claim 1 further comprising a third segment hingedly connected to the second segment.
 7. A keyboard according to claim 6 wherein the third segment is hingedly connected by means of a universal joint.
 8. A keyboard according to claim 7 wherein the joint hingedly connecting the first segment to the second segment is adjacent a corner of the second segment.
 9. A keyboard according to claim 8 wherein the third segment comprises a numeric key pad.
 10. An ergonomic keyboard for use with a computer, comprising:a first segment of a rectangular shape including alphabetic keys located thereon; a second segment of a rectangular shape including alphabetic keys located thereon; a first hinge allowing movement in three planes inter-coupling the first segment with the second segment, the first hinge attached to a top right corner of the first segment and a top left corner of the second segment and adapted to allow pivoting of the first segment and the second segment in both horizontal and vertical directions; and a third segment including numeric keys located thereon, the third segment coupled to the second segment by a second hinge allowing movement in three planes and enabling the third segment to be positioned in a plane other than the plane of the second segment.
 11. The ergonomic keyboard of claim 10 wherein the first segment and the second segment are positionable to reduce pronation of a user's wrists. 